CES 2012http://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/10268/all
en4 Most Underwhelming Technologies of CES 2012http://www.maclife.com/node/13099
<!--paging_filter--><p>While CES is the ultimate showcase for brand new technology and innovative gadgets, it can become redundant. Throughout the labyrinth of booths, there are a myriad of copycats, all trying to garner interest in "the next big thing". The fact of the matter is that many of these things are <em>not</em> the best things to come out of the show floor. Read on and I'll tell you why.</p><h3>1. Ultrabooks</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u53/2012/01/samsung_series9_625px.jpg" width="486" height="349" /></p><p>Samsung and Toshiba were among the many notebook manufacturers touting their Ultrabooks as the next generation of high performance computing in an ultra-thin package. While this is great news for PC users that were once limited to ginormous desktop set ups and bulky laptops, this evolution is long overdue. As an Apple user, you're aware of this: the MacBook Air was introduced in 2008 and made waves with its feather-thin design, and the latest iterations proved that a laptop doesn't have to be bulked up to be beefy. All you need to do is introduce the right components (flash storage) and omit the unnecessary (the optical drive) and you've got a hit on your hands.</p><h3>2. Android on Everything</h3><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u53/2012/01/polaroid-android-camera.jpg" width="500" height="277" /></p><p>In the immortal words of Dr. Seuss, "I do not like it, Sam I am, I do not like that Android is everyone's solution to their problems." Perhaps the most exhausting and overwhelming trend of CES -- or really, the direction in which mobile technology is evolving -- is that there is a saturation of Android products hitting the market. As an iOS user, you may be spitting at the mere mention of it, but like it or not the Android's reach is expanding beyond just smartphones and tablets. For instance, Poloroid showcased the SC1630 point-and-shoot camera, fueled by Android, and it was an underwhelming, slow piece of technology. There are already so many smartphones armed with powerful lenses and camera sensors, that purchasing an entirely seperate gadget for casual picture-taking is as pointless as purchasing a point-and-shoot. The unfortunate part of it all is that there seems to be a trend in gadget-makers desperate to reclaim the clout they once had by inserting Android in there somewhere. Didn't these companies learn anything from Apple? Keep things simple.</p><h3>3. Audio Amplifiers</h3><p><img src="/files/u53/2012/01/dsc_34761.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p><a href="http://www.ifrogz.com" target="_blank">iFrogz</a> announced that it is releasing a audio amplification device for the iPhone and iPod touch called Boost. Though it's an affordable solution for getting some decent volume out of your iOS device's tiny speakers, it's so incredibly inefficient. Think of it as addressing a large crowd with nothing but a funnel -- you still have to yell into it for everyone to hear you. Affordable sound solutions were showing up everywhere this year from companies like iHome, Klipsch and XtremeMac, and they were much better at actually amplifying the iPhone's sound into booming, bass-thumpin' audio, without any traces of strain. So while sound amplification is a good idea in theory, to put it into practice means spending money on a product with little shelf life.</p><h3>4. Smart Watches</h3><p><img src="/files/u53/2012/01/dsc_332517.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p>Tucked away in the corner of the South Hall was a small booth showcasing a "watch phone." Though it was equipped with multi-touch, the watch itself wasn't extraordinary. It featured a VGA camera phone and only a few basic functions. It would have been a fun gadget to debut before smartphones ever hit the market, but the concept is just too late to the game--like a company introducing its first DVD-slash-VHS player to a world that's already utilizing Blu-Ray players and streaming set-top boxes.</p><p>Then Sony <a href="http://www.androidguys.com/2012/01/11/sony-smartwatch-to-be-launched-in-conjunction-with-xperia-s/" target="_blank">had to go and announce</a> that it, too, was working on a SmartWatch that pairs with its upcoming launch of Sony Ericcson phones, and that's when the groans from the <em>Mac|Life</em> editors could be heard halfway around the world. This concept feels dated, and while we can all remember thinking how cool it would be to talk into our watches, the iPhone has done enough to satiate our desire for Star Trek-like technology. Um, have you met my friend Siri?</p>http://www.maclife.com/node/13099#commentsNewsBlogsCES 2012gadgetsUltrabooksTue, 17 Jan 2012 19:31:02 +0000Florence Ion13099 at http://www.maclife.comFriday Recap: iPhone 4S Causes Chaos in China, Bloomberg Dishes on iPad 3http://www.maclife.com/article/news/friday_recap_iphone_4s_causes_chaos_china_bloomberg_dishes_ipad_3
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_4s_chaos_in_china_200px.png" alt="iPhone 4S chaos in China" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />It’s been something of a long week, especially for those trotting around in the Las Vegas desert for the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, which wraps up today. As we sit back and reflect on the week’s events, let’s take in a few more tidbits of news from the last 24 hours, including the troubled launch of the iPhone 4S in mainland China, kudos for Tiffen at CES, Apple’s supplier responsibility report and more for this fine Friday, January 13, 2012. Watch out for those ladders and black cats, folks!</p><h3>iPhone 4S Retail Sales Halted in China After Launch Chaos</h3><p>It was probably bound to happen sooner or later, but today’s launch of the iPhone 4S in mainland China was marred by incidents of violence, with the “frustrated crowd” taking aim at the outer glass walls of Apple’s retail store in Beijing (pictured above). <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/14/technology/apple-suspends-iphone-4s-sales-in-mainland-china-stores.html?_r=3&amp;ref=global-home" target="_blank">According to <em>The New York Times</em></a>, Apple’s Beijing store didn’t open on schedule and some of the nearly 1,000 people waiting outside relieved their tension by throwing eggs at the storefront. As a result, Apple has “temporarily suspended sales of all iPhones at its five mainland China stores for the safety of customers and employees.” The handsets continue to be available online, both through Apple and carrier partner China Unicom’s website. And you thought buying an iPhone on launch day in the United States was crazy!</p><h3>OnLive Desktop Hits the App Store</h3><p>Right on schedule, cloud-based gaming service OnLive unleashed their new <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fonlive-desktop%252Fid490292278%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;OnLive Desktop" target="_blank">OnLive Desktop</a> app for the iPad on Thursday night. Despite a few initial hiccups with some users (including us) unable to access the service after logging in, the free 4.8MB download works like a charm and lives up to the company’s promise of “a seamless, no-compromise, instant-response cloud-based PC desktop.” OnLive Desktop brings a touch-based Windows 7 experience to iPad users, complete with Microsoft Office and cloud-based storage for transferring documents back and forth. Existing OnLive users can use their current login credentials to access OnLive Desktop, and <a href="http://www.onlive.com/desktop/" target="_blank">new users can sign up on the company’s website</a> before downloading. Stay tuned, we’ll have a hands-on first look at OnLive Desktop coming on Monday!</p><h3>CES 2012: Tiffen Dfx v3 Nabs Videomaker’s Best of CES Award</h3><p>The folks at Tiffen issued a press release on Thursday to announce that their popular Dfx v3 digital effects suite software received some accolades at this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which winds down today. Both Tiffen Dfx v3 and Domke RuggedWear bags were named Videomaker’s “Best of CES” for 2012 in their respective categories of CES Spotlight and CES Bag/Case. No one is more thrilled about the win than Tiffen President and CEO Steve Tiffen: “CES 2012 has been a tremendous success for The Tiffen Company. The 'Best of Show' awards given to us by Videomaker demonstrate the breadth and depth of design and development excellence we offer to the imaging community, whether they are looking for an accessory, like Domke bags, to keep their photography equipment protected, or comprehensive image editing software like Tiffen Dfx Software, which can be utilized for still and moving images by beginners or pros to do anything from a simple fix to enhance the emotion within their shoot.” <a href="http://www.tiffensoftware.com/products" target="_blank">A limited-time free trial version of Tiffen Dfx v3 is available from the company’s website</a>.</p><h3>Apple Issues 2012 Supplier Responsibility Report</h3><p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204409004577158764211274708.html" target="_blank"><em>The Wall Street Journal</em> is reporting</a> that <a href="http://www.apple.com/supplierresponsibility/reports.html" target="_blank">Apple has posted its “Supplier Responsibility Progress Report"</a> for the 2012 calendar year, which outlines the steps Cupertino is taking with both its manufacturers and their working conditions. Among the disclosures is an 80 percent increase in audits last year over 2010, with 229 throughout the company’s supply chain. The report reveals “108 facilities didn’t pay proper overtime wages and 93 facilities has records that indicated more than 50 percent of their workers exceeded the 60-hour work week.” Five facilities were also found with incidents of underage labor. CEO Tim Cook, whose speciality lies in the supply chain process, certainly likes the progress the company has made in the last year. “"I have spent a lot of time in factories over my lifetime and we are clearly leading in this area," Cook told <em>WSJ</em>. "It is like innovating in products. You can focus on things that are barriers or you can focus on scaling the wall or redefining the problem." The Apple report is also newsworthy for its first public disclosure of more than 150 companies who provide parts and manufacturing for Cupertino.</p><h3>Bloomberg Says iPad 3 Will Have HD Screen, 4G LTE</h3><p>Why not close out CES 2012 week with another of those popular iPad 3 rumors, right? <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-13/apple-said-to-prepare-march-ipad-3-debut-with-sharper-screen-faster-chip.html" target="_blank">This time we’ve got one courtesy of Bloomberg</a>, who is reporting that Apple’s next iPad will hit stores in March, complete with “a high-definition screen, run a faster processor and work with next-generation wireless networks.” Most of that falls in line with other rumors we’ve heard, but Bloomberg has twisted the arms of “three people familiar with the product” who say the iPad 3 will feature a quad-core chip and tap into both Verizon Wireless and AT&amp;T 4G LTE networks for faster wireless data. “Mass production began at the start of this month, with factories running 24 hours a day in China,” the report claims. “Manufacturing will halt over China’s Lunar New Year holiday this month and then ramp back up to a peak in February,” explains another Bloomberg source. With half of January nearly done, we’ll probably find out soon enough whether it’s all true...<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of The New York Times)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/friday_recap_iphone_4s_causes_chaos_china_bloomberg_dishes_ipad_3#commentsNewsApp StoreApple Inc.CES 2012Chinadaily recapiPad 3iPhone 4Siphone 4s launchonliveRumorsTiffenTim CookiPadMacFri, 13 Jan 2012 22:05:17 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13102 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: The Aftermath http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_aftermath
<!--paging_filter--><p><a class="thickbox" href="/files/u53/2012/01/dsc_3501.jpg"><img src="/files/u53/2012/01/dsc_3501.jpg" width="600" height="399" /></a></p><p>If there's one thing you can rely on coming home with, it's press kits. Here are just a handful of the many USB drives we stuffed in our pockets. And yeah, that blurry one in the left-hand corner is shaped like a Roomba.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_aftermath#commentsGalleryCES 2012Funmac|life editorspress kitsFri, 13 Jan 2012 21:52:42 +0000Florence Ion13101 at http://www.maclife.comThis Week's Hottest Reviews on TechRadarhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/weeks_hottest_reviews_techradar_34
<!--paging_filter--><p>It's been an exciting week for new products, with CES bringing wave after wave of product launches from the big names.</p><p>We've been able to have a gander at some of the most interesting products being shown off at CES, while also reviewing some really excellent products back at home as well.</p><p>We've got a lovely Toshiba TV for you, which offers brilliant performance and good looks at a bargainous price, as well as the new Asus Eee Pad Transformer, and an exciting new Sony Android phone.</p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-asus-transformer-prime-700-series-review-1054037">Hands on: Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime 700 review</a></p><p>The Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 is our favourite Android tablet and has recently been updated to Android 4.0. But instead of basking in the glory of past products, Asus has its attention set firmly on future endeavours and has already shown off the next evolution - the Prime 700 series.</p><p>It packs the same Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, but to make better use of the power has a much higher res screen. Out goes the TF201's 1,280 x 800 display and in comes a 1,920 x 1,200 panel. That makes it capable of both playing back and displaying full HD video which makes it extremely desirable – first impressions are very positive indeed.</p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/hands-on-sony-xperia-s-review-1053275">Hands on: Sony Xperia S review</a></p><p>Sony announced the Xperia S a few days ago and we've had a look at it on the show floor at CES. It's the second Android phone Sony has launched since it parted ways with Ericsson, and packs a 12MP camera, a dual core 1.5GHz processor, the ability to record in 1080p (on the rear), but sadly it only runs on Android 2.3 at launch.</p><p>The phone will however, be updated to Android 4.0 but not until the second half of 2012. It'll go on sale in March and we'll bring you a full review very soon but in the meantime check out our first impressions!</p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/televisions/plasma-and-lcd-tvs/toshiba-46tl868b-1053381/review">Toshiba 46TL868B review</a></p><p>For its money, the Toshiba 46TL868B is a really excellent TV. It cunningly ticks all of the key feature boxes right now - Freeview HD tuner, active 3D playback, USB and network multimedia playback, Edge LED lighting - and encases them in a fashionably thin chassis that wouldn't look out of place on a TV costing twice as much.</p><p><img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/TechRadar/Home%20Entertainment/Toshiba%2046TL868B/ToshibaTL868_front-420-100.jpg" alt="Toshiba 46tl868b" width="420" /></p><p>As if that wasn't enough, it also delivers HD 2D and 3D picture performances so clean, bright, colourful and sharp that they make the efforts of many other 'budget' LCD TVs seem positively grubby by comparison. The Toshiba 46TL868B is one of Toshiba's biggest bargains yet.</p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/compact-cameras/leica-d-lux-5-titanium-1051131/review">Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium review</a></p><p>The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium is based on Panasonic's excellent LX5 compact camera. The two cameras are essentially the same, with the Leica badge adding a premium of about 100% to the price. So, brand loyalty aside, the Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium is incredibly expensive for what could be classed as a glorified snapshot camera. And for all its metal-bodied luxury it really is that at its core - it fits in your pocket and the lens on the front cannot be changed. But at least it is a well above average one.</p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-dell-xps-13-review-1053103">Hands on: Dell XPS 13 review</a></p><p>Intel seems to have the entire notebook industry under the Ultrabook's thrall, and Dell is no exception with the launch of the Dell XPS 13. It might not come with LG's over-enthusiastic Super prefix, but the XPS 13 is a nice bit of kit – 18mm at its thickest point and with a 13.3-inch Gorilla glass display housed in the chassis of a 12-incher it certainly looks the part.</p><p>It's an Ultrabook so of course it comes with an Intel Core i7 processor with Intel HD 3000 graphics and fast boot facilitated by Intel rapid start. We have misgivings over the quality of the screen but we reserve final judgement until we've seen the final model.</p><h2>This week's other reviews</h2><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cameras</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/hands-on-nikon-d4-review-1052050">Hands on: Nikon D4 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/hands-on-canon-g1-x-review-with-video-1053286">Hands on: Canon G1 X review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/hands-on-fuji-x-pro1-review-1051503">Hands on: Fuji X-Pro1 review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Canon/G1%20X/Hands_On/Canon_G1_X_Front_Angel-420-100.jpg" alt="Fuji x-pro1 review" width="420" /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cases</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/cases-cooling/cases/fractal-design-core-3000-1052153/review">Fractal Design Core 3000 review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cloud computing</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-onlive-desktop-review-1054065">Hands on: OnLive Desktop review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Desktop PCs</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/pc/hands-on-hp-omni27-review-1054383">Hands on: HP Omni27 review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Desktops</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-mac-desktops/cyberpower-liquid-xtreme-gt-1052207/review">CyberPower Liquid Xtreme GT review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Graphics cards</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/graphics-cards/his-6670-fan-1gb-gddr5-1052843/review">HIS 6670 Fan 1GB GDDR5 review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Laptops</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-acer-aspire-s5-review-1052571">Hands on: Acer Aspire S5 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-lenovo-ideapad-u310-and-ideapad-u410-review-1052964">Hands on: Lenovo IdeaPad U310 and IdeaPad U410 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-hp-envy-14-spectre-review-1053178">Hands on: HP Envy 14 Spectre review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-hp-folio-13-review-1053710">Hands on: HP Folio 13 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-lenovo-ideapad-yoga-review-1053620">Hands on: Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-lg-z330-and-z430-super-ultrabook-review-1054095">Hands on: LG Z330 and Z430 Super Ultrabook review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-samsung-series-5-ultra-review-1054074">Hands on: Samsung Series 5 Ultra review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-samsung-9-series-review-1054050">Hands on: Samsung 9 Series review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-toshiba-qosmio-f755-review-1054374">Hands on: Toshiba Qosmio F755 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/laptops/hands-on-compal-prototype-ultrabook-1054400">Hands on: Compal prototype Ultrabook review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Media streaming</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/audio/home-cinema-audio/hands-on-griffin-twenty-review-1052621">Hands on: Griffin Twenty review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/audio/hands-on-kivic-one-review-1052638">Hands on: Kivic One review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/memory/computer-laptop-memory/patriot-memory-viper-xtreme-division-4-16gb-1-600mhz-1053318/review">Patriot Viper Xtreme Division 4 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/memory/computer-laptop-memory/kingston-hyperx-genesis-2-133mhz-16gb-1053764/review">Kingston HyperX Genesis 2133MHZ 16GB review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mobile phones</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-lg-spectrum-review-1053043">Hands on: LG Spectrum review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-huawei-ascend-p1-s-1053741">Hands on: Huawei Ascend P1 S review</a></p><p><img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Mobile%20Phones/Huawei/Huawei/Ascend%20P1%20S/P1030123-420-100.JPG" alt="Huawei ascend p1 s review" width="420" /></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-lenovo-k800-review-1053719">Hands on: Lenovo K800 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/hands-on-sony-xperia-ion-review-1053630">Hands on: Sony Xperia Ion review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-nokia-lumia-900-review-1053601">Hands on: Nokia Lumia 900 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-htc-titan-ii-review-1053646">Hands on: HTC Titan II review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-motorola-defy-mini-1054099">Hands on: Motorola Defy Mini review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-motorola-droid-4-review-1054069">Hands on: Motorola Droid 4 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/hands-on-motorola-motoluxe-review-1053728">Hands on: Motorola Motoluxe review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monitors</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/monitors-and-projectors/monitors/benq-rl2240h-1053787/review">BenQ RL2240H review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Motherboards</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/samsung-infuse-4g-sgh-i997-1051793/review">Asus P9X79 Pro review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rampage-iv-formula-1051931/review">Asus Rampage IV Formula review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Projectors</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/home-cinema/projectors/hands-on-optoma-pk32-review-1052645">Hands on: Optoma PK32 review</a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tablets</span></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-acer-iconia-tab-a700-review-1052608">Hands on: Acer Iconia Tab A700 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-lenovo-ideatab-s2-review-1052612">Hands on: Lenovo IdeaTab S2 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-lenovo-ideatab-k2-review-1052629">Hands on: Lenovo IdeaTab K2 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-viewsonic-viewpad-e70-review-1053656">Hands on: ViewSonic ViewPad E70 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-toshiba-excite-x10-review-1053668">Hands on: Toshiba Excite X10 review</a></p><p><img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/Tablets/Toshiba/Toshiba/P1030042-420-100.JPG" alt="Toshibe excite x10 review" width="420" /></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-aigopad-m803-review-1054109">Hands on: Aigopad m803 review</a></p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/hands-on-asus-memo-review-1054046">Hands on: Asus MeMo review</a></p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p class="webonly"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sign up for TechRadar's free Week in Tech newsletter<br /></span>Get the top stories of the week, plus the most popular reviews delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at <a title="http://www.techradar.com/register" href="http://www.techradar.com/register">http://www.techradar.com/register</a></p><p class="webonly"><a href="http://twitter.com/techradar">Follow TechRadar on Twitter</a> * <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TechRadar">Find us on Facebook</a> * <a href="https://plus.google.com/107370746384487549943">Add us on Google+</a></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/weeks_hottest_reviews_techradar_34#commentsNewsandroidCES 2012gadgetsnot Mac stuffTechRadarFri, 13 Jan 2012 17:54:35 +0000TechRadar13097 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: The 5 Best Digital Cameras We Saw This Yearhttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_5_best_digital_cameras_we_saw_year
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/kodak-fb-camera_200px.png" alt="Kodak EasyShare M750" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you’re in the market for a new digital camera, it usually pays to wait and see what’s announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show, which is winding down in Las Vegas this week. Unlike previous years, digital cameras were eclipsed by other consumer electronics technology this time around -- but that doesn’t mean we weren’t able to find a handful of shooters worth talking about.<br /><br />Point-and-shoot digital cameras may have peaked when it comes to sheer megapixel numbers, but that certainly isn’t stopping manufacturers from staying busy inventing new ways to entice us to upgrade each year. CES 2012 is no exception, so we’ve whittled down the plethora of options introduced at the show this year to present the five best options. Which one are you planning to buy…?<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_5_best_digital_cameras_we_saw_year#commentsGalleryNewsandroidcameraCES 2012FujifilmGalleryKodaknew productspanasonicpoint and shootsPolaroidSamsungThu, 12 Jan 2012 22:38:17 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13089 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: 8 Intriuging iOS Apps on the Show Floorhttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_8_intriuging_ios_apps_show_floor
<!--paging_filter--><p>Wandering the floor at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas always yields an exhausting sensory explosion of bright lights and the latest advances in tech, and 2012 has been no different. Yesterday, we spotlighted a variety of fantastically innovative iOS accessories and gadgets that are on the horizon, but we also stumbled upon several recent and upcoming iOS apps that surprise and delight in different ways, or can serve an important purpose in your everyday life. Curious? Check out our gallery below!</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_8_intriuging_ios_apps_show_floor#commentsGalleryAppLifeAppsCESCES 2012iOSiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 12 Jan 2012 19:33:30 +0000Andrew Hayward and Florence Ion13092 at http://www.maclife.comWednesday Recap: Adobe News, January 19 Apple Education Event, Shazam Playerhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_adobe_news_january_19_apple_education_event_shazam_player
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_education_invite_200px.png" alt="Apple education event January 19" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />OMG! Apple is having a media event next week! But don’t get too excited… the invitation essentially spills the beans on this education-centric event, so we’ll be surprised if CEO Tim Cook shows up with an iPad 3 under his arm. But hey, it’s an Apple event, so we’re excited to see what they have to say, even if some of us are way too old to be concerned about going to school. While you ponder what Cupertino has in store for next week, have a quick read of the rest of the tech stuff that’s making news for this Wednesday, January 11, 2012.</p><h3>Adobe Caves on Creative Suite 6 Upgrades for CS3, CS4 Users</h3><p>Adobe touched a nerve with customers still using Creative Suite 3 and 4 products at the end of last year by announcing there would be no upgrade path for them to the forthcoming CS6 (CS5 and CS5.5 users can upgrade as usual). Needless to say, that was an unpopular decision, and <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/faq/upgrade-policy.html" target="_blank">today Adobe backpedaled with a special upgrade offer for CS3 and CS4 customers</a> to get Creative Suite 6 and the new Adobe Creative Cloud, which are expected “in the first half of 2012.” The company hasn’t released any actual pricing quite yet, but the “special introductory upgrade pricing” will be in effect from the CS6 release through December 31, 2012, which should give those old-school users time to take advantage of it.</p><h3>Apple Announces January 19 Education Event</h3><p><a href="http://www.loopinsight.com/2012/01/11/apple-announces-special-event-in-new-york-on-jan-19/" target="_blank">The Loop was among the first to report on a new Apple event announced today</a>, which will take place on January 19 at the Guggenheim Museum. As widely predicted in recent weeks, the media event will be focused on education. Rather than a cryptic tease, Apple has sent the invitation shown above to the press which reads, “Join us for an education announcement in the Big Apple.” So, that makes it pretty clear that we shouldn’t be expecting an iPad 3 or an Apple-branded HDTV. The event kicks off at 10am EST, so check back next Thursday to find out what’s new.</p><h3>Shazam Player Adds Lyrics to iOS Music Library</h3><p>The folks at Shazam Entertainment have introduced a new app for the iPhone and iPod touch called <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fshazam-player%252Fid485316980%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Shazam Player" target="_blank">Shazam Player</a>. Rather than listening to and recognizing music around you, Shazam Player is essentially a replacement for Apple’s Music (formerly iPod) app, with a twist. With Shazam Player, users will get streaming lyrics in real time for the music they play through the app, with the ability to share what they’re listening to on Facebook or Twitter. Watch YouTube videos and concert clips without leaving the app, and you can manage your music -- including creating new playlists from your iOS music library. Needless to say, if you should happen to hear a tune you like while jamming away with Shazam Player, you can switch over to the Shazam app instantly. <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=ApuPaiKIpxg&amp;offerid=146261&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0&amp;tmpid=1826&amp;RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fapp%252Fshazam-player%252Fid485316980%253Fmt%253D8%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30&quot; target=&quot;itunes_store&quot;&gt;Shazam Player" target="_blank">The free app is available now from the App Store</a> and requires iOS 4.3 or later.</p><h3>CES 2012: More Than 250 Apple Employees In Attendance?</h3><p>If you’re attending the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, you may have bumped into an Apple employee and not even realized it. Don’t worry: You didn’t miss some invisible Apple booth! <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/01/11/rumor_250_apple_employees_attending_ces_despite_no_official_presence.html" target="_blank">According to AppleInsider</a>, “over 250 of Apple’s employees are registered for this week’s show,” says the usual “person familiar with Apple’s plans.” On Tuesday, a reporter for paidContent was the first to spot Apple vice president of product marketing Greg Joswiak lurking near Sony’s booth, with his show badge “strategically arranged” to cover his name and company. Reporter Tom Krazit explains: “Joswiak said he was interested in how other companies present their products at events such as CES, from things like booth layout and aesthetics to which products are highlighted within a company’s booth.” Apple, of course, is not a CES exhibitor and even famously backed out of the Macworld Expo back in 2009 in favor of focusing on their own events.</p><h3>Adobe Carousel Becomes Adobe Revel with App Updates</h3><p>As we briefly reported on Tuesday, Adobe has decided to rebrand their Carousel consumer subscription photo service as Adobe Revel. And sure enough, late last night, a new version of the universal iOS app and Mac App Store version were pushed out to new and existing users. <a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/photoshopdotcom/2012/01/adobe-revel.html" target="_blank">Today, the company made it official with a blog post on Photoshop.com</a> that explains the decision and offers some insight as to what’s new. The biggest change is “the ability to automatically import photos from the Camera Roll on your iPhone and iPad” as well as photo sharing via Flickr, which certainly is a good first step toward addressing some of users’ early concerns. Despite the name change, Adobe Revel is still a $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year subscription service, which is processed as an in-app purchase through the iOS app.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/wednesday_recap_adobe_news_january_19_apple_education_event_shazam_player#commentsNewsAdobeAdobe CarouselAdobe RevelApp StoreApple EventCES 2012creative suiteEducationShazamupgradesiPhoneMacWed, 11 Jan 2012 22:38:10 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13091 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: Moshi Audio Unveils Clarus Earphones for Audiophileshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_moshi_audio_unveils_clarus_earphones_audiophiles
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/clarus_mfi_2_200px.png" alt="Moshi Audio Clarus" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />It’s day two of the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and the new products just keep a-comin’! Among the most popular items at the show are music accessories and specifically headphones/earphones, which are present and accounted for in abundance. Thankfully, Moshi Audio is rising above the din of the crowd with a new set of earphones aimed at audiophiles.<br /><br />Moshi Audio has just announced <a href="http://moshimonde.com/productDetail.aspx?group=55" target="_blank">Clarus</a>, a new pair of earphones aimed at discriminating audiophiles which the company is touting as a “flagship addition” to their product line. What makes Clarus different? The earphones feature a dynamic, two-way DynaDuo driver.<br /><br />“Clarus is equipped with DynaDuo™, which consists of two dynamic drivers that enable a wide frequency response with pristine sound reproduction,” the company’s press release explains. “Typical IEMs require complete seal-off of ear canals to achieve meaningful bass response. Clarus manages to circumvent this problem by utilizing a dedicated woofer with sound guide to deliver robust low frequency sound into your ears. What really sets Clarus apart however, is its dedicated high frequency driver, which has been acoustically engineered to render airy transparency. The passive crossover has also been optimized for exceptional uniformity. The end result is an immersive listening experience with enhanced transparency and accurate sound imaging.”<br /><br />In addition to DynaDuo, Clarus offers precision-tuned crossover for delivering sonic uniformity and total immersion. Steel alloy construction ensures absolute purity without distortion, while braided, ultra-lightweight OFC cable is included with a mic and three-button controls. A custom carrying case with cable management rounds out the Clarus package.<br /><br /><a href="http://store.moshimonde.com/clarus.html" target="_blank">Clarus is now in stock from the Moshi Store</a>, compatible with all iPods, iPhones and iPads. You’ll want to fire up the credit card, however -- this kind of quality is going to set you back a cool $200, but at least ground shipping is on the house.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_moshi_audio_unveils_clarus_earphones_audiophiles#commentsNewsAudioaudiophileCES 2012earphonesHeadphonesMoshiMoshi AudioMusicnew productsiPadiPhoneiPodWed, 11 Jan 2012 19:02:44 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13087 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: The Best New Gadgets for your iOS Device [Updated]http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_best_new_gadgets_your_ios_device_updated
<!--paging_filter--><p>Well, we did it guys. Reviews Editor Ray Aguilera and I sustained a few papercuts and risked dehydration to check out all of the gadgets showcased at the Las Vegas Convention Center and give you a glimpse at what's coming in 2012. And you love your iOS device, right? Surely your iPhone never leaves your side, and we know how you like to use the iPad for work <em>and</em> play, too. Beef up those iOS devices with these fabulous gadgets that work with them, including one that tracks your pet and a device that helps you monitor you blood glucose levels. Read on!</p><p>And check back later this week as we update this page with other gadgets we see elsewhere on the show floor.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_best_new_gadgets_your_ios_device_updated#commentsGalleryNewsCES 2012gadgetsiOSiPadiPhoneiPodWed, 11 Jan 2012 15:21:02 +0000Florence Ion and Ray Aguilera13085 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: iPhone and iPad Cases Galore [Updated]http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_iphone_and_ipad_cases_galore_updated
<!--paging_filter--><p>Because what would CES be without rows and rows of iPhone and iPad cases? If you're the type to swap out cases as quickly as you change outfits, click through the gallery for a glance at some of the cooler cases featured at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. Some cases are utilitarian and protect your iPhone from harm, while others are just there for the sake of being bedazzled. Either way, here's a glimpse at the heaping of options you're bound to see in the new year. Happy shopping!</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/ces_2012_iphone_and_ipad_cases_galore_updated#commentsGallerybest case scenarioCES 2012ipad casesiphone casesStandsiPadiPhoneWed, 11 Jan 2012 00:21:14 +0000Florence Ion13084 at http://www.maclife.comTuesday Recap: Lightroom 4 Beta, iLounge on iPad 3, iPad Kindle Store, Mac Snapseedhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_lightroom_4_beta_ilounge_ipad_3_ipad_kindle_store_mac_snapseed
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/kindle_store_ipad_200px.png" alt="Kindle Store for iPad" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Ladies and gentlemen, we have liftoff! The International Consumer Electronics Show is officially in full gear for 2012 in Las Vegas, with new product announcements coming fast and furious. If you’ve had enough CES news for opening day already, keep reading -- we’ve got a handful of other tech news that you might enjoy on this fine Tuesday, January 10, 2012.</p><h3>Adobe Releases Lightroom 4 Beta, Announces Carousel Rebranding</h3><p>Not all new products are coming out of the Las Vegas desert this week. Case in point: Today <a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal/2012/01/lr4betanowavailable.html" target="_blank">Adobe Labs released a public beta for Lightroom 4</a>, a major new update for both Mac and Windows. “I kept hearing from customers that they love Lightroom but needed to leave the Lightroom to complete X, Y or Z,” the release notes explain. “Lightroom 4 tackles those issues with improvements to image organization, adjustment tools and comprehensive publishing options.” The beta is open to one and all and does not require a serial number or previous version to install. Also tucked away inside the release notes is word that the company plans to rebrand its Adobe Carousel product as Adobe Revel in the near future. Senior Product Marketing Manager Chris Quek explains, “We now plan to offer additional photography solutions on this platform, including but not limited to the ‘carousel’ feature. Our rapidly expanding charter for this new platform requires a name that is less narrowly descriptive of the current product features.” No word on when that change might take effect, but the Lightroom 4 beta includes support for an “Adobe Revel export workflow,” so we’re guessing it might be sooner than later.</p><h3>CES 2012: iLounge Dishes on Purported Next-Gen iPad</h3><p>We’re going to take this with a grain of salt for now, but <a href="http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/backstage/comments/hope-to-see-the-next-ipad-at-ces-you-might-without-knowing-it/" target="_blank">iLounge editor Jeremy Horwitz filed a report this morning claiming that he saw “what’s supposedly the next-generation iPad.”</a> The good news for iPad 2 owners is that the next iPad will presumably be a modest upgrade that’s primarily internal -- Horwitz describes it as more akin to the leap from iPhone 4 to iPhone 4S, with “a roughly 1mm increase” in size that’s almost imperceptible unless you’re looking for it. The rear camera hole is now bigger with a silver ring around it, which lines up with recent rumors of better cameras in the next model. Instead of screaming “I touched the iPad 3!,” Horwitz wisely tempers his report by predicting that Apple will call the next device something like “iPad 2S” or “iPad 2 HD” -- after all, there aren’t many radical changes that Apple could make and why fix something that’s not really broken?</p><h3>Amazon Launches Web-Based Kindle Store for iPad</h3><p>One of the unfortunate parts of Apple’s clamp on in-app purchases with the App Store is the inconvenience of leaving an app like Amazon Kindle when you’re ready to make a new ebook purchase. While the e-tailer hasn’t found a way around that quite yet, they are making it just a little bit easier today by rolling out what <a href="http://www.macworld.com/article/164725/2012/01/amazon_introduces_ipad_kindle_store.html" target="_blank">Macworld is calling</a> a “new, touch-friendly, web-based Kindle Store.” <a href="http://www.amazon.com/iPadKindleStore/" target="_blank">The iPad-friendly market</a> “offers a large, horizontally scrolling list of ebooks recommended for you, quick links to sections like New York Times Bestsellers and Newsstand, and the top 100 paid and free Kindle books in the store.” The company’s web-based Kindle Cloud Reader is also more iPad friendly, should you prefer buying an ebook and reading it straight away without leaving Mobile Safari.</p><h3>Apple Posts 2012 Proxy Statement</h3><p><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/01/09/apple-releases-2012-proxy-statement-to-investors/" target="_blank">MacRumors is reporting</a> that Apple posted its 2012 Proxy Statement on its investor relations page Monday afternoon. <a href="http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/AAPL/1358092236x0xS1193125%2D12%2D6704/320193/filing.pdf" target="_blank">The PDF document</a> is traditionally posted prior to the company’s annual stockholders meeting and “details voting procedures, background and compensation information on the company’s directors, and information about executive perks and compensation, among other items.” The actual shareholders meeting will take place on Thursday, January 23 at 10am PST in Building 4 of Apple’s Cupertino campus. Among the tidbits disclosed in the Proxy Statement: Current CEO Tim Cook “owns a total of 13,754 shares of Apple plus 1,362,500 RSU’s which will vest into shares if [he] stays with the company for the foreseeable future, worth $580.5 million at current prices.” It’s good to be the king...</p><h3>CES 2012: Snapseed Photo Editor Making Leap to Mac</h3><p>How does a developer follow up a successful iOS app? <a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/139407/popular-ios-photo-editing-app-snapseed-is-making-its-way-to-the-mac-app-store-very-soon/" target="_blank">According to Cult of Mac</a>, by going back to the Mac. Nik Software, the developers of the popular Snapseed photo editor, have announced at CES 2012 that they’re poised to introduce a $19.99 Mac App Store version, currently in Apple’s hands awaiting approval. Fans of the iOS app will be stoked to learn that Snapseed’s user interface is “almost identical” to the mobile version while retaining its simplicity and ease of use. When can you buy it? Only Apple knows for sure, but keep an eye on the Mac App Store for its arrival.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of Macworld)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_lightroom_4_beta_ilounge_ipad_3_ipad_kindle_store_mac_snapseed#commentsNewsadobe labsApple Inc.betaCES 2012daily recapiPad 3kindleLightroommac app storeShareholdersSnapseediPadMacTue, 10 Jan 2012 21:27:30 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13083 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: Microsoft's Last Keynotehttp://www.maclife.com/article/blogs/ces_2012_microsofts_last_keynote
<!--paging_filter--><p>It's hard to write about Microsoft's final Consumer Electronics Show keynote without feeling a little bit depressed. What should have been the company's CES swan song felt more like a rambling late night phone call from an old friend who just wants to talk about the way things used to be. During the company's 60 minute kick at the can, which started 30 minutes late, CEO Steve Ballmer and dreamy corporate shill Ryan Seacrest didn't provide the keynote's attendees with a single piece of information they didn't already have.&nbsp;</p><p>Touching briefly on the topics of the company's Windows Phone 7 smartphone platform and their partnership with Intel in rolling out 78 different iterations of Ultrabook ultra portable computers over the next year, Ballmer and Seacrest quickly moved on to focus on Windows 8.</p><p><img src="/files/u286882/win8.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p>Sadly, there wasn't much new here either. As we'd already heard late last year, the next version of Windows is being designed to operate on both ARM and x86 processors, paving the way for hardware manufacturers to install the OS on a wider variety of high-powered and ultra efficient low-powered personal computers, tablets and other devices than ever before. As Microsoft had previously indicated, Windows 8 will rely heavily on HTML5, not just for application design, but for playing video as well: Neither Flash nor the company's own SilverLight technology will be offered on Windows 8.&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/files/u286882/winstore.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p>The fact that Windows 8 users, just like Mac owners, will have access to an app store was rehashed as well. The Windows Store for Windows 8 will go live on February 1, featuring a number of free applications that anyone using the Windows 8 Developer Preview will have access to. On the same day as the Windows Store comes online, PC users can also anticipate the arrival of a PC compatible version of Microsoft's Kinnect motion-control hardware, which up until now has only been available to users of the company's Xbox 360 console.</p><p><img src="/files/u286882/kinect.jpg" width="620" height="349" /></p><p>Remember all of those commercials during the holidays that featured friends and family using voice controls to search for and order videos and movies via embedded services in Xbox Live, like Netflix and ESPN? They riffed on that, too. There was some good news here for Xbox owners though: Microsoft has brokered deals with a number of new content providers. Verizon customers who own an Xbox will have access to 26 FIOS channels. Other services, such as Infinity on Demand, as well as content from News Corp. and Fox, will also be making an appearance on the gaming console as well. In addition to this, Ballmer noted that Microsoft was working with a number of companies such as American Express and Mattel to bring new Kinnect-enabled applications to market.&nbsp;</p><p>For a final showing at one of the largest tech-centric showcases in the world, we're sad to say that what Microsoft provided us with this year was weaker than we could have imagined. Here's hoping that moving forward, the company is able to not only deliver on what it rehashed last night, but also wow consumers with a something awesome in the weeks and months to come.&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/blogs/ces_2012_microsofts_last_keynote#commentsBlogsCES 2012KinnectMicrosoftSrteve BallmerUltrabooksWindows 8windows phone 7Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:29:31 +0000Seamus Bellamy13080 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: Scosche Expands Listen, Power Product Lineshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_scosche_expands_listen_power_product_lines
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/recoil_ii_200px.png" alt="Scosche reCOIL II car charger" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />In the market for some new headphones or perhaps a charger or battery backup for your iOS device? It might be worth your time to stop by the Scosche booth at the International Consumer Electronics Show, which kicked off Tuesday in Las Vegas. The company is announcing new offerings in their Listen and Power product lines, but if you can’t make it to Vegas with us, read on for the details.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/products" target="_blank">Scosche Industries hit the Las Vegas desert running on Tuesday</a> with a total of eight new product announcements across their Listen and Power lines, with three new headphones and five new chargers that are likely to please most any iOS device user.<br /><br />First up are three new REALM headphone models from the Listen product line, all of which work with the company’s free tuneQ equalizer app for the iPhone and iPod touch. For on-ear Bluetooth headphone lovers, Scosche has introduced the RH1056MDBT with a wireless range of 33 feet and an integrated control surface for play, pause, track skip and volume control right from the headphones.<br /><br />If you prefer earphones, the RH656md offers many of the same features of the Bluetooth model in a wired set, powered by 40mm drivers with copper voice coils and rare earth neodymium magnets for extremely accurate musical reproduction. Last but certainly not least comes the REALM IDR676md earphones, which are Scosche’s first to feature an integrated bass contour switch for truly customizable low frequency control with 11mm drivers.<br /><br />On the Power side of things, Scosche is debuting the new reVOLT h2 and c2 dual 2.1A USB chargers at CES 2012, with enough power to refuel two power-hungry tablets simultaneously -- at home or on the go. The 2.1A reCOIL II car charger includes a retractable, three-foot 30-pin cable for neatly charging an iPhone, iPod or iPad while eliminating unsightly cable clutter when not in use. The reviveLITE III is also on deck, the latest generation of the company’s popular docking charger and LED nightlight.<br /><br />For Android lovers, Scosche will also unveil a micro-USB version of its popular flipCHARGE burst backup battery. Capable of charging up to 30 percent of full power, the flipCHARGE offers an emergency burst of power for those critical moments, with a folding USB cable for charging and syncing at the same time you’re powering up.<br /><br />No pricing or availability has been released for the company’s new CES 2012 products, but <a href="http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/products" target="_blank">stay tuned to their website</a> for details soon.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_scosche_expands_listen_power_product_lines#commentsNewsbluetoothCES 2012earphonesHeadphonesListennew productspowerpower adapterreVOLTScoschetuneQiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 10 Jan 2012 16:28:52 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13078 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: Seagate Announces Thunderbolt GoFlex Adapter http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_seagate_announces_thunderbolt_goflex_adapter
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u53/2012/01/screen_shot_2012-01-09_at_4.38.08_pm.png" width="250" height="111" class="graphic-right" />Seagate announced this morning that it will be releasing a GoFlex Thunderbolt Adapter for its existing GoFlex portable and desktop hard drives. The adpater will work on the GoFlex Desk External drives, as well as the GoFlex Pro Ultra-portable drives. If you own either of these, you can purchase the adapter to access the drives via the Thunderbolt port built in to your Mac.</p><p>Honestly, we're just happy to hear that someone's finally making hard drives at the consumer level. 8TB Raids are nice, but unless you're a professional video or music producer, they're not too practical.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_seagate_announces_thunderbolt_goflex_adapter#commentsNewsCES 2012Hard drivesSeagatethunderboltTue, 10 Jan 2012 15:25:10 +0000Florence Ion13076 at http://www.maclife.comCES 2012: IK Multimedia Introduces iRig MIX, DJ Rig App for iOS Deviceshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_ik_multimedia_introduces_irig_mix_dj_rig_app_ios_devices
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/irig_mix_small_200px.png" alt="iRig MIX" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />The International Consumer Electronics Show kicks off Tuesday in Las Vegas, where a gaggle of new technology products have already been unleashed over the weekend. Computer music technology firm IK Multimedia decided to save their announcements for opening day, with a volley of iOS accessory hardware for DJs and musicians alike.<br /><a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/Main.html?MainPage.php" target="_blank"><br />IK Multimedia is announcing</a> four new products at CES 2012 this year: Three hardware accessories for iOS devices and a new mobile DJ Rig app for the iPhone, all of which will be available soon.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/irig_mix.gif" alt="iRig MIX" width="545" height="456" /><br /><br />First up is the <a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irigmix/features/" target="_blank">iRig MIX</a>, a $99.99 mobile mixer for the iPhone, iPod touch or iPad for DJ’ing from anywhere, anytime. Just like a pro DJ mixer, the iRig MIX includes hardware-based crossfader, cues, EQ and volume controls. Mix and match between an iPhone and an iPad, or use a single iOS device with the audio split into dual-mono mode. Best of all, the iRig MIX can be used with any audio source -- it’s not limited to iOS devices, so it can be used with any MP3 player, CD players or other source. The free <a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/djrigiphone/features/" target="_blank">DJ Rig</a> app is included with iRig MIX, which allows automatic tempo matching and beat-syncing with an iOS device. iRig MIX will be available in February, with preorders now being taken from the IK Multimedia website.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/dj_rig_3-up.gif" alt="DJ Rig app" width="595" height="281" /><br /><br />Speaking of <a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/djrigiphone/features/" target="_blank">DJ Rig</a>, the pro-quality DJ mixing app will also be available on its own from the App Store in both a free and $9.99 paid version for the iPhone and iPod touch (a universal iPad app will be released soon). With direct access to your Music library and playlists, DJ Rig offers drag and zoom of waveform display, deck controls, automatic looping and pro features like an effects deck, on-the-fly sampler with four banks of nine pads, accurate scratching engine modeled on real deck behavior and multiple output configurations to work with any kind of audio setup.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/irig_mic_cast.gif" alt="iRig MIC Cast" width="328" height="468" /><br />CES 2012 isn’t all about DJ’ing for IK Multimedia -- the company is also introducing the i<a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irigmiccast/features/" target="_blank">Rig MIC Cast</a>, an ultra-compact hardware dongle for all iOS devices that’s perfect for recording podcasts, interviews, lectures, voice memos, speeches and more. Priced at $39.99, the iRig MIC Cast features a stereo mini-jack headphone output for real-time monitoring via headphones or speakers, a mini-switch with sensitivity settings for close or distant sources and an adjustable desktop stand to keep your iOS device upright while recording. The iRig MIC Cast will be available in the first quarter of the year from electronic and music retails worldwide.</p><p><img src="/files/u220903/irig_stomp.gif" alt="iRig STOMP" width="560" height="392" /><br /><br />Last but not least, IK has something in store for guitarists as well with the <a href="http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irigstomp/features/" target="_blank">iRig STOMP</a>, the world’s first live performance stompbox guitar interface for iOS. Now, guitar players and bass players alike can integrate their favorite iOS signal processing apps into their existing live pedalboard setup for enhanced tone shaping and effects processing. Based on the company’s wildly popular AmpliTube iRig interface, the STOMP works with any iOS guitar/amp/instrument app and is compact and durable. Look for it early in the second quarter of this year for only $59.99.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/ces_2012_ik_multimedia_introduces_irig_mix_dj_rig_app_ios_devices#commentsNewsCES 2012DJguitar appsIK MultimediaiOS accessoriesipad djiRigmobile accessoriesMusicmusic appsiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 10 Jan 2012 14:45:44 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13077 at http://www.maclife.com